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Moroccan b-boy Bilal Mallakh and b-girl Fatima El-Mamouny are making history as the first-ever Olympic breakdancers. This marks Morocco's debut in the sport and Africa's sole representation at the Paris games.
The duo qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning the World DanceSport Federation's (WDSF) African Championship in Rabat last May.
«Representing Morocco is a beautiful thing», Mallakh, also known as «B-Boy Billy», told CNN. «The Olympics are certainly an important step (that) will definitely bring me more self-confidence and more opportunities».
At 20, Mallakh is a first-time Olympian for Morocco, while 23-year-old El-Mamouny has previously represented the country.
Success in breakdancing requires mental fortitude, stage presence, and creative choreography," Mallakh explained to CNN. «It goes beyond dancing for the sake of dancing».
He emphasized the importance of the Olympics in legitimizing breakdancing in Morocco, stating, «Without breakdancing in the Olympic Games, it would have never been regulated in Morocco and we will not give it the attention it deserves».
Mallakh and El-Mamouny will compete against 16 b-boys and 17 b-girls in one-on-one battles, judged on technique, vocabulary, execution, originality, and musicality.
«We’ll encounter several difficulties like any athlete on the eve of the Olympics but I’m not going to give up. It’s both stressful and exciting», El-Mamouny shared.
Mallakh credits his brother for introducing him to breakdancing and hip-hop culture. «This is art that allows me to express myself and encourages creativity», he said.
He believes breakdancing is a perfect blend of physicality and artistry. Mastering both is essential for victory, Mallakh concluded.
The Olympic breaking competition will take place over two days, this Friday and Saturday, and showcase dancers from more than a dozen nations.
